James Neil Jones

James Jones, born on Christmas day, 1935, in Bowlegs, Oklahoma, went to be with the Lord on July 31st, 2024. The baby of the family, he had two older sisters and a brother who predeceased him. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Allene Jones, two sons, Neil and Kevin Jones, and his foster daughter, Marcy, along with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

James’s parents, Oscar and Sado, traveled to California from Oklahoma during the Dust Bowl in search of jobs and a new beginning. Their vehicle broke down in Mesa, Arizona, and they decided to make their home in the East Valley.

James attended schools in Gilbert as a child and graduated from Chandler High School. During high school, he played football and worked as a bellhop at the San Marcos Hotel. After high school, he joined the newly formed Chandler Police Department and was the 9th policeman given a badge. He also joined the Arizona National Guard.

He met his wife, Allene, at church when she was visiting her grandmother. They fell in love and were married on September 2, 1960. As a couple, they served their family, church, and community with loving, servants’ hearts.

After retiring from the Chandler Police Department, James served as a constable for Maricopa County for over twenty years. Many remember James as one of the hardest-working men they’ve known. He often worked three jobs and would come for a few hours to sleep between jobs. In his off-time, he enjoyed coaching his sons’ baseball teams. James also loved his woodshop and making gifts for his family and friends.

He attended Chandler First Assembly of God for over 80 years, having helped build it, and could often be seen mowing the lawn on Saturdays or helping with maintenance projects. He also helped with security for the church and managed its rental property. A generous man, he never gave up the opportunity to buy a meal for a person in need. He was a loyal friend who was always there to help with a project.

His family was at the center of his life. He was close to all of his grandchildren, and they all loved him very much. He attended every sports game, concert, birthday party, graduation, and other event to cheer them on. He loved going out to eat with friends and family, especially to eat tacos and enchiladas.

Deeply devoted to Jesus and his Christian faith, he has left a legacy of believing children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends, but we rejoice in knowing he is with the Lord.

A funeral service for James will be held Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Full Life Church, 532 W Ray Rd, Chandler, AZ 85225.